Examining the advances in engineering that made some of the world's most iconic structures possible. Big, Bigger, Biggest reveals the key inventions that allowed structures to evolve from simple and small into complex and Big. Each episode opens showcasing the largest example of its kind and asks the question, 'how did it grow so big?' Then a whirlwind tour of CGI, demonstrations and actuality delivers the answer. Superstructures grow, evolve, bend, twist, move and collapse to reveal their secret workings - buckle up and prepare to be amazed!

1. CanalWith 200 million tons of cargo passing along its length every year the Panama Canal is already the biggest canal in the America's. Now a new 5 billion dollar expansion project is set to double its capacity, giving a new lease of life to this vital transport artery. Its construction relies on a series of great leaps in technology. In this episode we explore the key historic canals that made each engineering breakthrough. Using stunning CGI animation, we reveal the incredible stories behind France's Briare Canal, the UK's Bridgewater and Manchester Ship Canals and the record-breaking Panama Canal. We focus on the innovations that allowed them to grow in size. Four ingenious leaps forward that enabled canals to evolve…from Big to Bigger into the world's Biggest. 2. IcebreakerWeighing in at over 93 thousand tonnes, the Timofey Guzhenko is by far the biggest icebreaking ship to operate in the Arctic Ocean. It can smash through solid ice a metre and a half thick and pulverise blocks of ice the size of a car with its huge propellers. This episode explores how this icebreaking ship was made possible through a series of four historic engineering breakthroughs. The film explores the inner workings of four landmark icebreakers, including the world's first icebreaker, the German Eisbrecher 1 and the powerful nuclear powered Soviet icebreaker, the Lenin. Each features a major technological innovation that allowed engineers to build bigger and bigger icebreakers. The film explores the development of icebreaking bows, unique protection systems to keep ice away from the hull and powerful propulsion technology. Using stunning CGI animation, this film reveals the incredible stories behind these machines and the inventions that have enabled them to grow in size. Four ingenious leaps forward that enabled icebreakers to evolve…from Big to Bigger into the Arctic Ocean's Biggest. 3. MetroThe 402 kilometres long London Underground is the biggest metro system in the world. It's currently undergoing a 26 billion dollar expansion project, building 30 new stations and drilling kilometres of new tunnels. This film explores how this metro system was made possible through a series of four historic engineering breakthroughs. The film explores the inner workings of four landmark metro systems, including the Paris Metro and New York City Subway. Each features a major technological innovation that allowed engineers to build bigger and bigger metro systems. The film explores the development of ground breaking tunnelling techniques, the perfection of propulsion and the construction of huge subterranean stations. Using stunning CGI animation, this film reveals the incredible stories behind these metro systems and the innovations that have enabled them to grow in size. Four ingenious leaps forward that enabled metro systems to evolve…from Big to Bigger into the Western world's Biggest.4. PrisonHolding over 1400 of America's most dangerous prisoners, the North Branch Correctional Institution is one of the most secure prisons in the world. Over two thirds of the men at the prison have killed and most dream of escape. They are locked up in cells able to withstand bomb blasts and the prison is brimming with technology designed to keep them safe from each other. This film explores how the prison was made possible through a series of four historic engineering breakthroughs. The film explores the inner workings of four landmark prisons, including the formidable Tower of London and infamous Alcatraz Island. Each features a major technological innovation that allowed engineers to build more and more secure prisons. The film explores the development of perimeter fortifications, layers of surveillance and impenetrable cell design. Using stunning CGI animation, this film reveals the incredible stories behind these prisons and the inventions that have enabled them to become more secure. Four ingenious leaps forward that enabled prisons to become Safer, Tougher and Bigger.5. TowerRising 610 metres tall, the Canton Tower is the tallest television tower in the world. It's required great leaps in technology to be built. In this film we explore the key historic towers that made these engineering breakthroughs. Using stunning CGI animation, we reveal the incredible stories behind the Washington Monument, the Eiffel Tower, Canada's CN Tower and the record-breaking Canton Tower, and the innovations that have enabled towers to grow in size. Four ingenious leaps forward that enabled towers to evolve…from Big to Bigger into the world's Biggest.6. TrainThe French 'Train à Grande Vitesse', known as the TGV regularly reaches speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. In special tests the train has been pushed to 575 kilometers per hour making it the fastest on earth. This film explores how the TGV was made possible through a series of four historic engineering breakthroughs. The film explores the inner workings of four iconic trains, including Stephenson's record breaking Rocket and Japan's revolutionary Bullet Train. Each features a major technological innovation that allowed engineers to build faster and faster trains. The film explores the development of powerful engines, aerodynamic design and innovations that keep trains firmly on the tracks. Using stunning CGI animation, this film reveals the incredible stories behind these machines and the inventions that have enabled them to get faster and faster. Four ingenious leaps forward that enabled trains to evolve from the world's first steam passenger train into the fastest train on the planet.